To the editor:
On Nov. 6, the now-vacant 4th District Congressional seat previously held by Congressman Geoff Davis will be on the ballot twice – once to fill the remainder of U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis’ term, and again for the next full congressional term.
There is much discussion in the media about apathy and disinterest among voters, and the best way to engage them in the upcoming election is to offer opportunities to attend and participate in a live debate on the issues, particularly in an open seat where little or nothing is known about either candidate.
Residents of the 4th District, which includes Oldham County, deserve the opportunity to get to know the candidates, other than through campaign propaganda. There is nothing that can replace a live event where the candidates address issues that are of particular interest to the voters.
Several organizations have invited Bill Adkins and Thomas Massie to participate in structured, bi-partisan candidate forums and debates.
To my knowledge, Adkins has accepted every invitation, and Thomas Massie has declined invitations to every event, including:
• Oldham County Bi-Partisan Debate, declined;
• NKY Chamber of Commerce Debate, declined;
• Kentucky Education Association Candidate Night, declined;
• Nat’l. Federation of Retired Employees, declined;
• Northern Kentucky University Forum, declined;
• Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, declined;
• Alexandria Town Hall, cancelled;
• Shelby County Farm Bureau, declined;
• Kentucky Retired Teachers’ Association, declined;
• Kentucky Corn Growers Association, no response;
• NAACP Candidate Forum – Shelby County, no response; and
• Grant County Chamber of Commerce Forum, no response.
Massie acts as if he already has the job.
In an open seat, the people living in the district don’t really know much about either candidate.
Massie received less than 50 percent of the vote within his own party where there was less than 12 percent turnout in the entire state.
We expect at least 300,000 people to vote in this race and the public deserves a chance to get to know these two men, and, more importantly, where they stand on the issues.
Oldham County Democrats will sponsor a public town hall event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18 at the Oldham County Public Library, 308 Yager Ave., La Grange.
The topics will be centered on the economy and job creation; Medicare and Social Security in what Adkins calls his “Putting Kentuckians Back to Work” discussion. Voters from surrounding counties are invited to attend as well.
And I once again, I invite Mr. Massie to attend and answer voters’ questions and concerns.
John Sutton
Chair, Oldham County Democratic Party
Crestwood